MUSKEGON COUNTY, MI — The mothers of the two young Muskegon County men -- one of whom is deceased, the other potentially to spend time in prison -- were face to face in a Muskegon courtroom today, Dec. 5 for a hearing that was ultimately waived.

The preliminary examination slated for Vance Thompson, 17, of Muskegon was waived in a Muskegon County 60th District courtroom.

“I’m so sorry,” Hairston said, sobbing and hugging James. She apologized over and over as the women and several family members and friends of both families began to leave the courtroom.

Thompson has been charged with three felonies: involuntary manslaughter, punishable by up to 15 years in prison; tampering with evidence, punishable by up to 10 years; and felony firearm, which carries a mandatory sentence of two years to be served before any other sentence.

His attorney, Michael Oakes, said his client agreed to waive the preliminary examination so the judge bound over Thompson’s case to circuit court.

Authorities said the two teens were just playing around when the gun discharged accidentally and struck White, a Muskegon Heights resident.

Thompson was charged Nov. 21.

According to police, officers responded to the scene of the shooting after a 911 call that’s believed to have been made by Thompson, using a fake name, as he fled the scene.

After the investigation later led him to Thompson, police interviewed the suspect. The alleged shooter told the detective that he and the victim were friends and were walking to another friend’s house when the shooting happened.